Moderate Red Wine and Grape Juice Consumption Modulates the Hydrolysis of the Adenine Nucleotides and Decreases Platelet Aggregation in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Paclitaxel-Containing Extract Exerts Anti-Cancer Activity through Oral Administration in A549-Xenografted BALB/C Nude Mice: Synergistic Effect between Paclitaxel and Flavonoids or Lignoids

Taxus yunnanensis is a paclitaxel-containing herb with traditional usage in cancer treatment, and its extract possesses great oral bioavailability of paclitaxel. However, it is elusive whether paclitaxel-containing extract (HDS-1) can exert anti-tumor effect through oral administration and how other components contribute to its efficacy. Therefore, we investigate the oral-route anti-tumor effect of HDS-1 in A549-bearing mice. HDS-1-derived flavonoids (HDS-2) and lignoids (HDS-3) are hypothesized to contribute to HDS-1’s efficacy, and their effects of enhancing enterocytic absorption and cytotoxicity of paclitaxel are validated in 2 permeability experiments and apoptosis-related assay, respectively. In vivo, A549 growth is significantly inhibited by 86.1 ± 12.94% ( $P<0.01$ ) at 600 mg/kg of HDS-1 and 65.7 ± 38.71% ( $P<0.01$ ) at 200 mg/kg. HDS-2 and HDS-3 significantly reduce the efflux ratio of paclitaxel to 2.33 and 3.70, respectively, in Caco-2 permeability experiment and reduce paclitaxel reflux in MDCK-MDR1 experiment. Furthermore, HDS-2 and HDS-3 potentiated paclitaxel-induced cytotoxicity by 19.1–22.45% ( $P<0.05$ ) and 10.52–18.03% ( $P<0.05$ ), respectively, inhibited the expression of cyclinB1, Bcl-2, and pMCL-1, and increased the percentage of necrosis cell in the condition of paclitaxel exposure. Conclusively, paclitaxel-containing extracts exert anti-cancer effects through oral administration, and flavonoid and lignoids contribute to its anti-cancer effect through simultaneously improving enterocytic absorption of paclitaxel and the cytotoxic effect of paclitaxel.

Effect of red wine or its polyphenols on induced apical periodontitis in rats

AIM

To evaluate the effect of red wine consumption or its polyphenols on the inflammation/resorption processes associated with apical periodontitis in rats.

METHODOLOGY

Thirty-two three-month-old Wistar rats had apical periodontitis induced in four first molars and were then arranged into four groups: control (C)-rats with apical periodontitis; wine (W)-rats with apical periodontitis receiving 4.28 ml/kg of red wine; resveratrol+quercetin (R+Q)-rats with apical periodontitis receiving 4.28 ml/kg of a solution containing 1.00 mg/L of quercetin and 0.86 mg/L of resveratrol and alcohol (ALC)-rats with apical periodontitis receiving the alcoholic dose contained in the wine. The oral gavage treatments were administered daily, from day 0 to day 45. On the 15th day, apical periodontitis was induced, and on the 45th day, the animals were euthanized. Histological, immunohistochemical (RANKL, OPG, TRAP, IL-10, TNF-⍺ and IL-1β) and micro-computed tomography for bone resorption analysis were performed in the jaws. The Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn's test was performed for nonparametric data, and the anova with Tukey's test for parametric data, p < .05.

RESULTS

The median score of the inflammatory process was significantly lower in the R+Q group (1) compared to the C (2) (p = .0305) and ALC (3) (p = .0003) groups, and not different from the W (1.5) group. The immunolabeling for OPG was significantly higher in the R+Q group (p = .0054) compared to all groups; the same was observed for IL-10 (p = .0185), different from groups C and ALC. The R+Q group had the lowest TRAP cell count (p < .0001), followed by the W group, both inferior to C and ALC groups. The lowest bone resorption value was in the R+Q group (0.50mm³  ± 0.21mm³ ), significantly lower (p = .0292) than the C group (0.88mm³  ± 0.10mm³ ). The W group (0.60 mm³  ± 0.25 mm³ ) and R+Q group had less bone resorption compared to the ALC group (0.97 mm³  ± 0.22 mm³ ), p = .0297 and p = .0042, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Red wine administration to rats for 15 days before induction of apical periodontitis decreased inflammation, TRAP marking and periapical bone resorption compared to alcohol. Resveratrol-quercetin administration reduced the inflammatory process in apical periodontitis, periapical bone resorption, and altered the OPG, IL-10 and TRAP expression compared to C and ALC groups.

Purinergic interplay between erythrocytes and platelets in diabetes-associated vascular dysfunction

Cardiovascular complications in diabetes are the leading causes for high morbidity and mortality. It has been shown that alteration of purinergic signaling contributes to diabetes-associated cardiovascular complications. Red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets play a fundamental role in regulation of oxygen transport and hemostasis, respectively. Of note, these cells undergo purinergic dysfunction in diabetes. Recent studies have established a novel function of RBCs as disease mediators for the development of endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes (T2D). RBC-released ATP is defective in T2D, which has implication for induction of vascular dysfunction by dysregulating purinergic signaling. Platelets are hyperactive in diabetes. ADP-mediated P2Y₁ and P2Y₁₂ receptor activation contributes to platelet aggregation and targeting P2Y receptors particularly P2Y₁₂ receptor in platelets is effective for the treatment of cardiovascular events. In contrast to other P2Y₁₂ receptor antagonists, platelet-targeting drug ticagrelor has potential to initiate purinergic signaling in RBCs for the beneficial cardiovascular outcomes. It is increasingly clear that altered vascular purinergic signaling mediated by various nucleotides and nucleoside contributes to diabetes-associated vascular dysfunction. However, the contribution of complex purinergic networks between RBCs and platelets to the vascular dysfunction in diabetes remains unclear. This study discusses the possible interplay of RBCs and platelets via the purinergic network for diabetes-associated vascular dysfunction.

Phenolic Bioactives as Antiplatelet Aggregation Factors: The Pivotal Ingredients in Maintaining Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the main causes of mortality in the world. The development of these diseases has a specific factor-alteration in blood platelet activation. It has been shown that phenolic compounds have antiplatelet aggregation abilities and a positive impact in the management of CVD, exerting prominent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, cardioprotective, antihyperglycemic, and antimicrobial effects. Thus, this review is intended to address the antiplatelet activity of phenolic compounds with special emphasis in preventing CVD, along with the mechanisms of action through which they are able to prevent and treat CVD. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown beneficial effects of phenolic compound-rich plant extracts and isolated compounds against CVD, despite that the scientific literature available on the antiplatelet aggregation ability of phenolic compounds in vivo is scarce. Thus, despite the current advances, further studies are needed to confirm the cardioprotective potential of phenolic compounds towards their use alone or in combination with conventional drugs for effective therapeutic interventions.

Berberine modulates crucial erectogenic biomolecules and alters histological architecture in penile tissues of diabetic rats

Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid, found in several plants. Diabetes induces erectile dysfunction (ED) via reduction in some hormones and enzymes implicated in sexual function. This study aimed to investigate the role of berberine on crucial biomolecules linked to penile function in diabetic rats. Sixty-three (63) adult male rats were used and distributed into nine groups (each = 7). Group I-IV normal rats administered with citrate buffer (pH 4.5), sildenafil citrate (SD, 5.0 mg/kg), 50 and 100 mg/kg of berberine, respectively, via oral gavage. Rats in groups V-IX were diabetic rat with ED treated with buffer, SD, 50 and 100 mg/kg of berberine, and acarbose (25 mg/kg ACA) respectively. The result revealed that histological architecture in penile tissues were altered in diabetic groups treated with berberine, sildenafil citrate and acarbose when compared to the diabetic control group. Treatment with berberine, increased testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in diabetic rat with ED. Also, reduced prolactin level and acetylcholinesterase, angiotensin-1 converting enzyme, adenosine deaminase and arginase activities were observed in berberine treated diabetic rat with ED. Molecular docking analysis revealed that berberine had strong binding affinities for these enzymes. Thus, berberine could represent a potential therapeutic agent for diabetes-induced ED.

Impact of grape pomace flour (GPF) on immunity and immune-antioxidant-anti-inflammatory genes expression in Labeo rohita against Flavobacterium columnaris

This study evaluates the effects of dietary inclusion of grape pomace flour (GPF) on growth, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, innate-adaptive immunity, and immune genes expression in Labeo rohita against Flavobacterium columnaris. In both normal and challenged fish the growth rate, hematology and biochemical parameters significantly increased when fed with 200 and 300 mg GPF enriched diets; similarly the activities of antioxidants and innate-adaptive immune parameters, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), phagocytic (PC), respiratory burst (RB), alternative pathway complement (ACP), lysozyme (Lyz), and total immunoglobulin M (IgM) significantly increased in both groups. Similarly, the immune, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory-related gene mRNA expression was significantly up-regulated in head kidney (HK) tissues. The challenged fish fed without GPF always exhibited lower values of all the studied parameters. The results indicate that both normal and challenged fish treated with 200 mg GPF inclusion diet had significantly enhanced growth rate, antioxidant status, and immune defense mechanisms than with 300 mg GPF diet in L. rohita against F. columnaris.

Diabetes and hypertension: Pivotal involvement of purinergic signaling

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension are highly prevalent worldwide health problems and frequently associated with severe clinical complications, such as diabetic cardiomyopathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, stroke, and cardiac arrhythmia, among others. Despite all existing research results and reasonable speculations, knowledge about the role of purinergic system in individuals with DM and hypertension remains restricted. Purinergic signaling accounts for a complex network of receptors and extracellular enzymes responsible for the recognition and degradation of extracellular nucleotides and adenosine. The main components of this system that will be presented in this review are: P1 and P2 receptors and the enzymatic cascade composed by CD39 (NTPDase; with ATP and ADP as a substrate), CD73 (5′-nucleotidase; with AMP as a substrate), and adenosine deaminase (ADA; with adenosine as a substrate). The purinergic system has recently emerged as a central player in several physiopathological conditions, particularly those linked to inflammatory responses such as diabetes and hypertension. Therefore, the present review focuses on changes in both purinergic P1 and P2 receptor expression as well as the activities of CD39, CD73, and ADA in diabetes and hypertension conditions. It can be postulated that the manipulation of the purinergic axis at different levels can prevent or exacerbate the insurgency and evolution of diabetes and hypertension working as a compensatory mechanism.

Cardioprotective effect of red wine and grape pomace

Several studies have related moderate consumption of red wine with prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). According to epidemiological studies, those regions with high consumption of red wine and a Mediterranean diet show a low prevalence of CVD. Such an effect has been attributed to phenolic compounds present in red wines. On the other hand, by-products obtained during winemaking are also a significant source of phenolic compounds but have been otherwise overlooked. The cardioprotective effect of red wine and its byproducts is related to their ability to prevent platelet aggregation, modify the lipid profile, and promote vasorelaxation. Phenolic content and profile seem to play an important role in these beneficial effects. Inhibition of platelet aggregation is dose-dependent and more efficient against ADP. The antioxidant capacity of phenolic compounds from red wine and its by-products, is involved in preventing the generation of ROS and the modification of the lipid profile, to prevent LDL oxidation. Phenolic compounds can also, modulate the activity of specific enzymes to promote NO production and vasorelaxation. Specific phenolic compounds like resveratrol are related to promote NO, and quercetin to inhibit platelet aggregation. Nevertheless, concentration that causes those effects is far from that in red wines. Synergic and additive effects of a mix of phenolic compounds could explain the cardioprotective effects of red wine and its byproducts.

Therapeutic potential of resveratrol against emerging respiratory viral infections

Resveratrol has been widely studied for its therapeutic potential due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. In particular, resveratrol has shown promising antiviral activity against numerous viruses responsible for severe respiratory infections. Amongst these, influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus and the emerging SARS-cov-2 are known to cause pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome or multi-organ failure, especially, in vulnerable individuals like immunocompromised patients or the elderly, leading to a considerable economic burden worldwide. In this context, resveratrol may have potential value for its anti-inflammatory activity, since most of the severe virus-associated complications are related to the overactivation of the host-immune response, leading to lung damage. Herein, we present an overview of the antiviral activity and potential mechanisms of resveratrol against the respiratory tract viruses considered as a public threat for their rapid transmission and high morbidity and mortality in the general population.

Ectonucleoside Triphosphate Diphosphohydrolase-1/CD39 Affects the Response to ADP of Female Rat Platelets

There is evidence that an imbalance of extracellular purine levels may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Platelets play a pivotal role in vascular homeostasis and thrombosis and are important source of purine nucleotides and nucleosides. Hydrolysis of nucleotides ATP and ADP is regulated by two ectonucleotidases, triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 (NTPDase-1/CD39) and ecto-5’-nucleotidase (ecto-5’-NT/CD73). CD39 enzyme is expressed on the endothelium, circulating blood cells, and smooth muscle cells; there is evidence that changes in CD39 expression and activity affects the potential thrombogenic of a tissue. Gender difference in the cardiovascular risk has been extensively observed; however, while the age-dependent difference in the prevalence of cardiovascular events between men and women has been attributed to the loss of the protective effect of estrogens in the postmenopausal period, the physiological mechanism behind gender disparity is still unclear. Here, we evaluated comparatively male and female rat platelet reactivity and considered the possible role of CD39 at the basis of difference observed. We found a reduced in vitro response to ADP (1–30 µM) of female compared to male platelets, associated to increased platelet CD39 expression and activity. Platelet response to ADP was strongly increased by incubation (10 min) with the CD39 inhibitor, ARL67156 (100 µM), while male platelet response was unaffected. Rat treatment with clopidogrel (30 mg/kg, per os) inhibited ex vivo platelet aggregation. Bleeding time was prolonged in female compared to male. Taken together, our results suggest that platelet ATPase and ADPase activity might be a reliable predictor of platelet reactivity.

Grape juice or wine: which is the best option?

Grapes used in the wine or juice production are mainly Vitis vinifera and Vitis labrusca and possess high amounts of polyphenolic compounds. These compounds are associated with the reduction of the inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, and protection against cardiovascular diseases. The industrial processes used for juice and wine production may interfere with the antioxidant composition of these products and the effects on human health. The aim of this review is to compare the effects of the consumption of wine or grape juice on cardiovascular risk factors. We used PRISMA guidelines and Medline/PUBMED and EMBASE to perform our search. The main effects of red wine and grape juice in humans were a reduction of body mass index, waist circumference, glycemia, plasma lipid peroxidation, total cholesterol, LDL-c, triglycerides, blood pressure, and homocysteine levels. Both wine and grape juice possess numerous bioactive compounds that are potentially responsible for many beneficial effects on human health. Nevertheless, there is a need for more double-blind, randomized controlled studies comparing the effects of juice and wine consumption without the biases that occur when comparisons are made with different populations, ages, doses, and different types of wine or juice.

Targeted proteomic response to coffee consumption

PURPOSE

Coffee is widely consumed and implicated in numerous health outcomes but the mechanisms by which coffee contributes to health is unclear. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of coffee drinking on candidate proteins involved in cardiovascular, immuno-oncological and neurological pathways.

METHODS

We examined fasting serum samples collected from a previously reported single blinded, three-stage clinical trial. Forty-seven habitual coffee consumers refrained from drinking coffee for 1 month, consumed 4 cups of coffee/day in the second month and 8 cups/day in the third month. Samples collected after each coffee stage were analyzed using three multiplex proximity extension assays that, after quality control, measured a total of 247 proteins implicated in cardiovascular, immuno-oncological and neurological pathways and of which 59 were previously linked to coffee exposure. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to test the relationship between coffee treatment and each protein.

RESULTS

Two neurology-related proteins including carboxypeptidase M (CPM) and neutral ceramidase (N-CDase or ASAH2), significantly increased after coffee intake (P < 0.05 and Q < 0.05). An additional 46 proteins were nominally associated with coffee intake (P < 0.05 and Q > 0.05); 9, 8 and 29 of these proteins related to cardiovascular, immuno-oncological and neurological pathways, respectively, and the levels of 41 increased with coffee intake.

CONCLUSIONS

CPM and N-CDase levels increased in response to coffee intake. These proteins have not previously been linked to coffee and are thus novel markers of coffee response worthy of further study. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12547806.

Coffee, caffeine, chlorogenic acid, and the purinergic system

Coffee is a drink prepared from roasted coffee beans and is lauded for its aroma and flavour. It is the third most popular beverage in the world. This beverage is known by its stimulant effect associated with the presence of methylxanthines. Caffeine, a purine-like molecule (1,3,7 trymetylxantine), is the most important bioactive compound in coffee, among others such as chlorogenic acid (CGA), diterpenes, and trigonelline. CGA is a phenolic acid with biological properties as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotector, hypolipidemic, and hypoglicemic. Purinergic system plays a key role inneuromodulation and homeostasis. Extracellular ATP, other nucleotides and adenosine are signalling molecules that act through their specific receptors, namely purinoceptors, P1 for nucleosides and P2 for nucleotides. They regulate many pathological processes, since adenosine, for instance, can limit the damage caused by ATP in the excitotoxicity from the neuronal cells. The primary purpose of this review is to discuss the effects of coffee, caffeine, and CGA on the purinergic system. This review focuses on the relationship/interplay between coffee, caffeine, CGA, and adenosine, and their effects on ectonucleotidases activities as well as on the modulation of P1 and P2 receptors from central nervous system and also in peripheral tissue.

Effect of gallic acid on purinergic signaling in lymphocytes, platelets, and serum of diabetic rats

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is associated with an increased susceptibility to various infections, which might be attributed to changes in immune response owing to chronic hyperglycemia. Nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (NTPDase), 5'-nucleotidase, and adenosine deaminase (ADA) are important enzymes involved in the generation of anti-aggregant and anti-inflammatory microenvironments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of gallic acid (GA) on the hematological parameters and ectonucleotidase activities in platelets, lymphocytes, and serum of diabetic rats. Experimental rats were categorized into 4 groups: (i) control -saline, (ii) control - GA, (iii) diabetic -saline, and (iv) diabetic - GA. One week after induction of DM using streptozotocin (65 mg/kg), GA (30 mg/kg) or saline was orally administered to the rats for 21 days. Our results demonstrated that the concentration of mean corpuscular hemoglobin was decreased, whereas that of red cell distribution was increased in the diabetic group, however, GA could revert these alterations. Moreover, in diabetic rats, GA reverted the increase in ATP and ADP hydrolysis and ADA activity in lymphocytes, and it prevented the increase in NTPDase and ADA activities in platelets. A decrease in ATP hydrolysis and an increase in ADP and AMP hydrolysis were observed in the serum of diabetic rats; however, GA treatment could solely revert changes in ATP hydrolysis. Our study suggests that GA exhibits beneficial effects on immuno- and thrombo-regulatory responses in DM and that these effects may be related to the modulation of purinergic signaling.

N-acetylcysteine attenuates systemic platelet activation and cerebral vessel thrombosis in diabetes

Objective

We previously demonstrated that diabetes exacerbates stroke-induced brain injury, and that this correlates with brain methylglyoxal (MG)-to-glutathione (GSH) status. Cerebral injury was reversed by N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Here we tested if the pro-thrombotic phenotype seen in the systemic circulation and brain during diabetes was associated with increased MG-glycation of proteins, and if NAC could reverse this.

Methods

The streptozotocin (STZ)-induced mouse model of type 1 diabetes was used. Thrombus formation in venules and arterioles (pial circulation) was determined by intravital videomicroscopy using the light-dye method. Circulating blood platelet-leukocyte aggregates (PLAs) were analyzed by flow cytometry 1 wk before other measurements. GSH and MG levels in platelets were measured by HPLC. MG-modified proteins, glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx-1), and superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) levels were detected in platelets by western blot at 20 weeks. Proteins involved in coagulation were quantified by ELISA. NAC (2 mM) was given in drinking water for 3 weeks before the terminal experiment.

Results

Thrombus development was accelerated by diabetes in a time-dependent manner. % PLAs were significantly elevated by diabetes. Plasma activated plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 levels were progressively increased with diabetes duration, with tail bleeding time reduced by 20 wks diabetes. Diabetes lowered platelet GSH levels, GPx-1 and SOD-1 expression. This was associated with higher MG levels, and increased MG-adduct formation in platelets. NAC treatment partly or completely reversed the effects of diabetes.

Conclusion

Collectively, these results show that the diabetic blood and brain become progressively more susceptible to platelet activation and thrombosis. NAC, given after the establishment of diabetes, may offer protection against the risk for stroke by altering both systemic and vascular prothrombotic responses via enhancing platelet GSH, and GSH-dependent MG elimination, as well as correcting levels of antioxidants such as SOD1 and GPx-1.

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Diabetes elevates dicarbonyl stress leading to enhanced thrombosis in the brain.

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Glutathione levels decrease leading to impaired elimination of methylglyoxal in platelets during diabetes.

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Platelet proteins are glycated and platelets form aggregates with leukocytes in diabetes.

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Diabetes increases circulating levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1.

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NAC, via GSH synthesis, reverses the platelet activation, protein glycation and pro-coagulation responses & protects against thrombosis in the diabetic brain.

Nuts and Dried Fruits: An Update of Their Beneficial Effects on Type 2 Diabetes

Nuts and dried fruit are essential foods in the Mediterranean diet. Their frequent consumption has been associated with the prevention and/or the management of such metabolic conditions as type 2 diabetes (T2D), metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. Several previous reviews of epidemiological studies and clinical trials have evaluated the associations of nuts and/or dried fruit with various metabolic disorders. However, no reviews have focused on the mechanisms underlying the role of nuts and/or dried fruit in insulin resistance and T2D. This review aims to report nut and dried-fruit nutritional interventions in animals and humans, and to focus on mechanisms that could play a significant role in the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance and T2D.

Quercetin changes purinergic enzyme activities and oxidative profile in platelets of rats with hypothyroidism

Diseases related to thyroid hormones have been extensively studied because affect a large number of individuals, and these hormones participate in the regulation of the whole organism homeostasis. However, little is known about the involvement of purinergic signaling related to oxidative stress in hypothyroidism and possible therapeutic adjuncts for treatment of this disorder. Thus, the present study investigates the effects of quercetin on NTPDase, 5'-nucleotidase and adenosine deaminase activities, platelet aggregation and oxidative profile in platelets of rats with methimazole (MMI)-induced hypothyroidism. Methimazole at a concentration of 20mg/100mL was administered for 90days. From the second month the animals received quercetin 10 or 25mg/kg for 60days. Results showed that: Ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity decreased in methimazole/water group and the treatment with quercetin 25mg/kg decreased NTPDase, 5'-nucleotidase and adenosine deaminase activities. Moreover, platelet aggregation increased in methimazole/water group. Lipid peroxidation increased while superoxide dismutase and catalase activities decreased, but, interestingly, the treatment with quercetin reversed these changes. These results demonstrated that quercetin modulates adenine nucleotide hydrolysis decreasing the ADP formation and adenosine deamination. At the same time quercetin improves the oxidative profile, as well as reduces platelet aggregation, which together with the modulation in the nucleotides levels can contribute to the prevention of platelet disorders.

Effects of chlorogenic acid, caffeine and coffee on components of the purinergic system of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

We evaluated the effect of chlorogenic acid (CGA), caffeine (CA) and coffee (CF) on components of the purinergic system from the cerebral cortex and platelets of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Animals were divided into eight groups: control animals treated with (I) water (WT), (II) CGA (5 mg/kg), (III) CA (15 mg/kg) and (IV) CF (0.5 g/kg), and diabetic animals treated with (V) WT, (VI) CGA (5 mg/kg), (VII) CA (15 mg/kg) and (VIII) CF (0.5 g/kg). Our results showed an increase (173%) in adenosine monophosphate (AMP) hydrolysis in the cerebral cortex of diabetic rats. In addition, CF treatment increased adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and AMP hydrolysis in group VIII synaptosomes. Platelets showed an increase in ectonucleotidase activity in group V, and all treatments reduced the increase in adenosine triphosphate and ADP hydrolysis. Furthermore, there was an increase in platelet aggregation of 72% in the diabetic rats, and CGA and CF treatment reduced platelet aggregation by nearly 60% when compared to diabetic rats. In this context, we can suggest that CGA and CF treatment should be considered a therapeutic and scientific target to be investigated in diseases associated with hyperglycemia.

Resveratrol: How Much Wine Do You Have to Drink to Stay Healthy?

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring stilbene endowed with multiple health-promoting effects. It is produced by certain plants including several dietary sources such as grapes, apples, raspberries, blueberries, plums, peanuts, and products derived therefrom (e.g., wine). Resveratrol can be isolated and purified from these biological sources or synthesized in a few steps with an overall high yield. This compound and its glucoside, the trans-polydatin piceid, have received worldwide attention for their beneficial effects on cardiovascular, inflammatory, neurodegenerative, metabolic, and age-related diseases. These health-promoting effects are particularly attractive given the prevalence of resveratrol-based nutraceuticals and the paradoxical epidemiologic observation that wine consumption is inversely correlated to the incidence of coronary heart disease. However, the notion of resveratrol as a "magic bullet" was recently challenged by clinical trials showing that this polyphenol does not have a substantial influence on health status and mortality risk. In the present review, we discuss the proposed therapeutic attributes and the mode of molecular actions of resveratrol. We also cover recent pharmacologic efforts to improve the poor bioavailability of resveratrol and influence the transition between body systems in humans. We conclude with some thoughts about future research directions that might be meaningful for resolving controversies surrounding resveratrol.

Syzygium cumini seed extract ameliorates adenosine deaminase activity and biochemical parameters but does not alter insulin sensitivity and pancreas architecture in a short-term model of diabetes

BACKGROUND

The effects of the aqueous seed extract of Syzygium cumini (ASc) in a short-term model of diabetes in rats are little explored. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of the ASc on adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity and on biochemical and histopathological parameters in diabetic rats.

METHODS

ASc (100 mg/kg) was administered for 21 days in control and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced (60 mg/kg) diabetic rats. ADA activity, lipoperoxidation (cerebral cortex, kidney, liver and pancreas) and biochemical (serum) and histopathological (pancreas) parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS

The main findings in this short-term model of Diabetes mellitus (DM) were that the ASc (i) significantly reverted the increase of ADA activity in serum and kidney; (ii) ameliorated the lipoperoxidation in the cerebral cortex and pancreas of the diabetic group; (iii) demonstrated hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic properties and recovered the liver glycogen; and iv) prevented the HOMA-IR index increase in the diabetic group. Therefore, the ASc can be a positive factor for increasing the availability of substrates with significant protective actions, such as adenosine. Moreover, by maintaining glycogen and HOMA-IR levels, the extract could modulate the hyperglycemic state through the direct peripheral glucose uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data revealed that the short-term treatment with ASc has an important protective role under pathophysiological conditions caused by the early stage of DM. These results enhance our understanding of the effect of the ASc on the purinergic system in DM.

Red Wine Inhibits Aggregation and Increases ATP-diphosphohydrolase (CD39) Activity of Rat Platelets in Vitro

Moderate consumption of red wine has been shown to exert a peculiar cardioprotective effect compared with other alcoholic beverages; inhibition of platelet aggregation seems to be one of the mechanisms underlying this beneficial effect. CD39/ATP-diphosphohydrolase is an integral membrane glycoprotein metabolizing ATP and ADP to AMP; in concert with CD73/ecto-5′-nucleotidase, it contributes to extracellular adenosine accumulation. CD39 is considered a key modulator of thrombus formation; it inhibits platelet aggregation by promoting ADP hydrolysis. There is evidence that red wine consumption increases CD39 activity in platelets from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Here we show that two kinds of Aglianico red wines inhibit aggregation and increase ATP-and ADPase activity in rat platelets.

Regular exercise training reverses ectonucleotidase alterations and reduces hyperaggregation of platelets in metabolic syndrome patients

BACKGROUND

Alterations in the activity of ectonucleotidase enzymes have been implicated in cardiovascular diseases, whereas regular exercise training has been shown to prevent these alterations. However, nothing is known about it relating to metabolic syndrome (MetS). We investigated the effect of exercise training on platelet ectonucleotidase enzymes and on the aggregation profile of MetS patients.

METHODS

We studied 38 MetS patients who performed regular concurrent exercise training for 30 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical profiles, hydrolysis of adenine nucleotides in platelets and platelet aggregation were collected from patients before and after the exercise intervention as well as from individuals of the control group.

RESULTS

An increase in the hydrolysis of adenine nucleotides (ATP, ADP and AMP) and a decrease in adenosine deamination in the platelets of MetS patients before the exercise intervention were observed (P<0.001). However, these alterations were reversed by exercise training (P<0.001). Additionally, an increase in platelet aggregation was observed in the MetS patients (P<0.001) and the exercise training prevented platelet hyperaggregation in addition to decrease the classic cardiovascular risks.

CONCLUSIONS

An alteration of ectonucleotidase enzymes occurs during MetS, whereas regular exercise training had a protective effect on these enzymes and on platelet aggregation.

Resveratrol supplementation: Where are we now and where should we go?

Pre-clinical findings have provided mounting evidence that resveratrol, a dietary polyphenol, may confer health benefits and protect against a variety of medical conditions and age-related complications. However, there is no consistent evidence of an increased protection against metabolic disorders and other ailments when comparing studies in laboratory animals and humans. A number of extraneous and potential confounding variables can affect the outcome of clinical research. To date, most of the studies that have investigated the effect of resveratrol administration on patient outcomes have been limited by their sample sizes. In this review, we will survey the latest advances regarding the timing, dosage, formulation, bioavailability, toxicity of resveratrol, and resveratrol-drug interactions in human studies. Moreover, the present report focuses on the actions of resveratrol treatment in combating diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, and other age-related ailments.

CD39/NTPDase-1 expression and activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells are differentially regulated by leaf extracts from Rubus caesius and Rubus idaeus

Many experimental studies have demonstrated the favorable biological activities of plants belonging to the genus Rubus, but little is known of the role of Rubus leaf extracts in the modulation of the surface membrane expression and activity of endothelial apyrase. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of 1–15 μg/ml Rubus extracts on CD39 expression and enzymatic activity, and on the activation (ICAM-1 expression) and viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The polyphenolic contents and antioxidative capacities of extracts from dewberry (R. caesius L.) and raspberry (R. idaeus L.) leaves were also investigated. The techniques applied were flow cytometry (endothelial surface membrane expression of ICAM-1 and CD39), malachite green assay (CD39 activity), HPLC-DAD (quantitative analysis of polyphenolic extract), ABTS, DPPH and FRAP spectrometric assays (antioxidant capacity), and the MTT test (cell viability). Significantly increased CD39 expressions and significantly decreased ATPDase activities were found in the cells treated with 15 μg/ml of either extract compared to the results for the controls. Neither of the extracts affected cell proliferation, but both significantly augmented endothelial cell ICAM-1 expression. The overall antioxidant capacities of the examined extracts remained relatively high and corresponded well to the determined total polyphenol contents. Overall, the results indicate that under in vitro conditions dewberry and raspberry leaf extracts have unfavorable impact on endothelial cells.

A review of the mechanisms and effectiveness of dietary polyphenols in reducing oxidative stress and thrombotic risk

Dietary sources of polyphenols, which are derivatives and/or isomers of flavones, isoflavones, flavonols, catechins and phenolic acids, possess antioxidant properties and therefore might be important in preventing oxidative-stress-induced platelet activation and attenuating adverse haemostatic function. Free radicals, including reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, promote oxidative stress, leading to platelet hyperactivation and the risk of thrombosis. The consumption of antioxidant/polyphenol rich foods might therefore impart anti-thrombotic and cardiovascular protective effects via their inhibition of platelet hyperactivation or aggregation. Most commonly-used anti-platelet drugs such as aspirin block the cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 pathway of platelet activation, similar to the action of antioxidants with respect to neutralising hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), with a similar effect on thromboxane production via the COX-1 pathway. Polyphenols also target various additional platelet activation pathways (e.g. by blocking platelet-ADP, collagen receptors); thus alleviating fibrinogen binding to platelet surface (GPIIb-IIIa) receptors, reducing further platelet recruitment for aggregation and inhibiting platelet degranulation. As a result of the ability of polyphenols to target additional pathways of platelet activation, they may have the potential to substitute or complement currently used anti-platelet drugs in sedentary, obese, pre-diabetic or diabetic populations who can be resistant or sensitive to pharmacological anti-platelet therapy.